NEW YORK, April 2, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- A
whistleblower claim, by definition, is a formal submission or
complaint that exposes alleged fraud or misconduct within an
organization. You may be wondering who exactly qualifies to be a
whistleblower and how do they come forward? Fraud Expert Advisors
consultant and experienced whistleblower, Angie Kelly, discusses firsthand common
questions about who can be a whistleblower.
Who can be a whistleblower?
When it comes down to it,
almost anyone with evidence of fraud or misconduct at a previous or
current organization can become a whistleblower. You don't
necessarily have to witness the fraud yourself, you'll just need to
have documentation that can be used as evidence in your case.
Additionally, you don't need to be a citizen or resident and you
may have even been involved in the fraud yourself. Furthermore,
participating in fraud does not automatically disqualify an
individual from filing a claim or an award. This is especially true
if you participated in the fraud unknowingly or under pressure from
superiors.
Is it too late to become a whistleblower?
Generally,
the sooner you bring forward your claim the better due to "first to
file" concerns. If someone else reports the same fraud before you,
it can nullify your whistleblower status. Timelines can be tricky,
but having an experienced whistleblower advocate and lawyer on your
side will be a tremendous asset to navigating your case.
Can a whistleblower remain anonymous?
In most cases,
the submissions under the whistleblower reward programs are
confidential and the identity of the person will not be exposed to
the public during the course of a federal investigation because the
case is filed under seal. Only after the case is settled or
dismissed does it become unsealed. If you've witnessed fraud in
your organization, you can speak to a whistleblower advocate about
your options for keeping your identity anonymous.
Becoming a whistleblower is a big decision, but can be extremely
rewarding. If you've witnessed fraud in your current or former
organization and you're still unsure if you can be a whistleblower,
reach out to an experienced whistleblower advocate. They've been in
your shoes and can help guide you through the process with your
best interest in mind.
About Fraud Expert Advisors (FEA): Fraud Expert Advisors
(FEA) are not attorneys; they are whistleblower advocates who
connect you with a whistleblower who is ready to advise others on
what it's like to become a whistleblower and guide those seeking to
blow the whistle on fraud through the often daunting legal process.
FEA provides a safe space for whistleblowers to share information
and experiences while addressing any concerns and uncertainties
regarding fraud claims. FEA has a consulting team that consists of
former Whistleblowers and fraud investigators. Put your trust into
an FEA advisor today if you think your employer or previous
employer is engaging in fraud or other illegal activities.
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SOURCE Fraud Expert Advisors